muscle mass

Question
Hi. I have a Neopolitan Mastiff puppy around 3 months old. I feed him twice a day 2 and a half cups of food each time. I walk him at least once a week and play with him often. I was wondering if I am feeding and exercising him properly because he's body doesn't have a lot of muscle.

Answer
Dear Nina
Your puppy should be walked every day.  This is healthy for his body and his mind and also socialization.  I also believe he should be getting 4 meals a day at his age, since he is going to be a big dog.. .... Start the second and fourth meal at 1 cup,  make sure you are feeding a puppy food of good quality AND one for big dogs......If he seems to be gaining too quickly then reduce the 2 and a half cups of food to 1 and a half, but still feed him 4 times a day.
Be aware of any changes in his joints (as in swelling)  and keep the walking to a daily routine, increasing the miles as he grows.  At four months old, you can decrease to 3 times a day, making sure he doesnt lose any weight.  The reason for four meals a day is that he can absorb better if he is fed more often and this promotes muscle growth.
nancy